Family Mourning The Loss Of Costa Mesa Girl, 11, Killed In Watercraft Accident

COSTA MESA (CBSLA.com) — Friends and family are mourning the death of a Costa Mesa sixth grader killed in a watercraft accident over the weekend.

Samantha Nguyen, 11, was riding a personal watercraft with her father on the Colorado River when it crashed, killing her and severely injuring her father. He remained in critical condition Monday night.

Friends told KCAL9’s Brittney Hopper the family often took trips on the weekend, and were vacationing in Loughlin, Nevada when Samantha was killed.

Family and friends gathered at the Nguyen home to pray Monday. A family friend who did not want to be identified said everyone is heartbroken.

“I miss her a lot already,” she said. “I can’t hold it anymore; every night I come there, I look at her house. I already miss her.”

Flowers sit at the office of Sonora Elementary School, with a note that reads: “Sammy you are loved and will be missed by all.”

The principal of Sonora Elementary in Costa Mesa called the parents of Samantha’s classmates Sunday night to tell them the news. She said Samantha will be deeply missed.

“I’m shaking all over,” said Mina Pepic, a neighbor who has lived next door to the Nguyen family since Samantha was born. “I can’t imagine what the family is going through.”